Dental Hygiene And Gum Stimulator Device

ABSTRACT

Dental hygiene and gum simulator devices according to the present invention comprise a bristle platform and a plurality of bristles attached to the bristle platform. The devices are put into a user&#39;s mouth and chewed thereby producing sub-gingival penetration. The bristle platform may have different shapes and dimensions. One embodiment has two flat sides connected to one another forming an interior right angle. The bristles are attached to the bristle platform at 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Another embodiment has a small ball shaped bristle platform. The bristles are attached to the small ball. While the device is chewed in the user&#39;s mouth, the device dislodges bacteria from between teeth, along the side plane of the tooth, as well as the sulcular pocket. In the process this new device also gently stimulates and massages the gum surface as well as stimulating the sulcus resulting in much healthier, less tender gums.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to oral cleansing devices and more particularly to dental hygiene and gum stimulator devices.

2. Description of Related Art

Present flossing techniques and material do not present a simple and comfortable method of dislodging particulates, especially along the gingival collar at the side plane of the tooth. There are many devices designed to aid in the use of traditional string floss, but they all are time consuming, require exceptional dexterity, require changing from one device to another and require specific training to use properly. The traditional string floss is also painful and uncomfortable to use resulting in very limited and less consistent use.

Therefore, it is necessary to have a device that is user friendly thereby promoting use, effectiveness and overall dental health.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device comprising a bristle platform, and a plurality of bristles attached to or inserted into the bristle platform. The bristle platform may have different shapes and dimensions. One embodiment has two flat sides connected to one another forming an interior right angle. The bristles are attached to the bristle platform at 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Another embodiment has a small ball shaped bristle platform. The bristles are attached to the small ball.

The intent of this invention is a new form of dental hygiene device that is actually user friendly thereby promoting use, effectiveness and overall dental health. The benefits from this device are achieved through alternate design as well as alternate use methods from traditional flossing. The primary benefit is to dislodge bacteria from between teeth, along the side plane of the tooth, as well as the sulcular pocket. In the process this new device also gently stimulates and massages the gum surface as well as stimulating the sulcus resulting in much healthier, less tender gums.

The primary unique design features of this new device are:

-   -   1. the angle of the bristles;     -   2. a reduced stiffness of the bristles;     -   3. the length of the bristles; and     -   4. the shape of the bristle platform.

The critical component of this new design is the method of use. Users are instructed to chew the device. This method does not require tedious, uncomfortable and painful insertion of fingers and/or flossing devices into the mouth. It can be performed without user even holding the handle. User is capable of moving device around the inside of mouth with tongue and check action while chewing. Final and more concentrated application should be performed by holding the device at precise angle and location determined by feel and individual requirements during the chewing process.

There can be multiple designs for bristle attachment depending on the user needs and age depending on which device is more compatible and comfortable.

These design features have been selected so as to allow the user to comfortably apply vertical pressure downward on the tooth and the surrounding gums by a chewing action. With this chewing action the bristles are pushed into the gum sections between and around the entire tooth, all at the same time. This vertical pressure allows the bristles to penetrate the subgingival area to effectively clean and loosen calculus from the sulcular pocket which is the area of the tooth surface hidden by the gum tissue. This vertically directed penetrating pressure of the bristle tips stimulates and massages the gums. Traditional forward, backward, up and down motion yields a condition where the bristle simply glides along the surface of the tooth and gum always pointing away and drawn away from the area and does not penetrate with any degree of force to the area between the teeth and the area just below the gum line. This area is the most critical and where the onset of gingivitis and gum disease initiates. This is especially evident with poorly aligned or overlapping teeth not allowing the bristle any contact with the gingival collar, let alone the subgingival area. The user will shortly find that with consistent use the gums will no longer bleed, no longer be tender, plaque buildup is prevented entirely and that their teeth have that same “clean feeling” everyday that is typically experienced only when professionally cleaned.

The angle of the bristle is to produce a less piercing action. In conjunction with the angle, the softness of the bristle allows it to bend more easily producing a stimulating and massaging feel while penetrating and cleaning below the gum line. The length of the bristles are longer than traditional tooth brushes to allow the brush tip to have contact with the gums before the bristle platform bottoms out on the top of the tooth when chewing. The shape of the bristle platform is that of a right angle to provide a flat surface for compression by opposing teeth and downward bristle platform for side bristles. Bristles shall be inserted at 45 and 90 degrees to the bristle platform surface respectfully extending to the inward side of the angle.

It is advised that the conventional brushing techniques (forward, backward, and up and down motion) also be applied to flush the debris dislodged from the chewing stage and for final cleaning/polishing the surface of the tooth itself. There is no need to change devices to accomplish this final flush.

The more important features of the invention have thus been outlined in order that the more detailed description that follows may be better understood and in order that the present contribution to the art may better be appreciated. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter and will form the subject matter of the claims that follow.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the preferred feature of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Additional features of the invention will be described hereinafter that form the subject of the claims of the invention. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they can readily use the disclosed conception and specific embodiment as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention and that such other structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention in its broadest form.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description, the appended claim, and the accompanying drawings in which similar elements are given similar reference numerals.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device having a common handle design with modified head and bristle configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in use.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device according to another embodiment of the present invention which is hands free design for adults and youth utilizing bristle laden latex ball.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a varying embodiment of the stimulator device with a differing brush configuration.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 5.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, there is disclosed a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device according to a first embodiment 10 of the present invention. The first embodiment of the dental hygiene and gum stimulator device 10 comprises a bristle platform 11 having two flat sides 12 connected to one another forming an interior angle 13. Each flat side 12 has an interior flat surface 15. The interior surfaces 15 face toward one another. The flat sides may have dimpled pad area on the exterior surfaces for compression. The interior angle 13 in the preferred embodiment is approximately 90 degrees. The interior angle 13 may vary in other embodiments. The first embodiment of the device 10 further comprises primary bristles 16 attached to or inserted into the interior surfaces 15 of the bristle platform at an angle of substantially 45 degrees. The length of primary bristles are all equal, such that their tips also form an interior angle parallel with that if the bristle platform. This bristle tip formation serves as an aid in proper 45° alignment of the primary bristles in relation to the tooth. This is essential for maximum benefit. The first embodiment of the device 10 further comprises secondary bristles 17 attached to or inserted into the interior surfaces 15 of the bristle platform at an angle of substantially 90 degrees. The primary or secondary bristles may attach to or inserted into the interior surfaces at angles other than 90 degrees or 45 degrees in other embodiments. The first embodiment of the device 10 further comprises a handle 18 attached to the low end of the bristle platform. The length of the bristle platform is approximately from 0.75 inches to 1.25 inches. The width of each of the two sides is approximately between 0.25 and 0.438 inches. Both primary and secondary bristles 16, 17 are longer than that of traditional tooth brushes to allow the bristle tips to have contact with gums before the interior surface of the bristle platform touch the top of a tooth when chewed. The primary bristles 16 are approximately 0.438″-0.563″ inches long and the secondary bristles 17 are approximately 0.25″-0.33″ inches long in the preferred embodiment. Other dimensions (i.e. length and/or width) of the bristle platform, flat sides, and the bristles may be different in other embodiments. The bristle platform 11 may be a single unit made of extrudable material including but not limited to one of polymer, natural rubber, and a combination thereof. The bristles 16, 17 may be made of the material used in traditional toothbrushes or other type of suitable material. The device 10 may further comprise a solution inside the bristle platform 11 to excrete during chewing, wherein the solution includes one of mouth wash, fluoride contained aqueous solution, and flavoring solution. The bristle platform 11 may have an aperture 19 for refilling the aforementioned solution.

As shown in FIG. 2, when the first embodiment of the device 10 is used to clean teeth, one of the flat sides 12 of the bristle platform is compressed by the opposing teeth 20, the vertical compression produces sub gingival penetration by the primary and secondary bristles 16, 17 on the two sides 12 of the bristle platform.

FIG. 3 clearly demonstrates that the compression produced by the first embodiment of the device 10 is perpendicular to the teeth 20 joint.

Referring to FIG. 4, there is disclosed a second embodiment 30 of the dental hygiene and gum stimulator device according to the present invention. This embodiment is hands free design for adults and youth. The second embodiment 30 comprises a bristle platform 31 and a plurality of bristles 32 attached to the bristle platform wherein the bristle platform in this embodiment is a small ball 31. This small ball and bristles is intended to be put in the mouth and chewed to cleanse teeth and stimulate gum. The preferred dimension of the “bristle platform of the small ball 31 is approximately 0.438″-0.563″ inches in diameter. The bristle platform may be in other shapes and have other dimensions in other embodiments. The small ball 31 may be made of extrudable material including but not limited to one of polymer, natural rubber, and a combination thereof. The second embodiment of the dental hygiene and gum stimulator device 30 may further comprise a solution inside the small ball to excrete during chewing, wherein the solution includes one of mouth wash, fluoride contained aqueous solution, and flavoring solution. The small ball 31 may have an aperture 35 for refilling the aforementioned solution. The device 30 further comprises a mechanism to prevent youth from swallowing the small ball. This mechanism may include a string 33 attached to the small ball 31 at one end and a ring 34 at another end for pulling the small ball out of the mouth. The bristles 32 are approximately 0.25″-0.438″ inches long. The bristles 32 may be made of the material used in traditional toothbrushes or other type of suitable material.

Referring to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 there is disclosed another embodiment of the dental hygiene and gum stimulator device according to the present invention. Herein, however, the head of the device is configured with a unique 45 degree bristle configuration. This variation eliminates the addition of the 90 degree angled bristle platform that is visible in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.

While there have been shown and described and pointed out the fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention and not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments discussed were chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are entitled. 

1. A dental hygiene and gum stimulator device comprising: a bristle platform having two flat sides connected to one another forming an interior angle, each flat side having an interior flat surface facing toward one another; a plurality of primary bristles attached to or inserted into both of the interior surfaces of the bristle platform; and a plurality of secondary bristles attached to or inserted into both of the interior surfaces of the bristle platform; wherein the primary bristles are of equal length such that the primary bristles' tips form an interior angle parallel with the interior angle of the bristle platform, and the interior angle formed by the primary bristles' tips serves as an aid in properly positioning the primary bristles at a certain angle in relation to tooth surface; and wherein when the bristle platform is compressed by user's opposing teeth the primary bristles produce sub gingival penetration.
 2. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 1, wherein the interior angle is approximately 90 degrees, the primary bristles are attached to or inserted into the interior surfaces at approximately 45 degrees, the secondary bristles are attached to or inserted into the interior surfaces at approximately 90 degrees; and wherein the interior angle formed by the primary bristles' tips serves as an aid in properly positioning the primary bristles at a 45 degree angle in relation to tooth surface.
 3. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 2, wherein the bristles are soft, soft bristles bend more easily producing a stimulating and massaging feel while penetrating and cleaning the area below the gum line.
 4. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 3, wherein the bristles' tips contact with gums before the interior surfaces of the bristle platform touch the top of a tooth when chewed.
 5. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 4, the primary bristles are approximately 0.438-0.563 inches in length and the secondary bristles are approximately 0.25-0.33 inches in length.
 6. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 5, wherein the bristle platform is approximately between 0.75 inches and 1.25 inches in length and each of the flat sides is approximately between 0.25 and 0.438 inches in width.
 7. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 6, wherein the bristle platform is a single unit made of extrudable material including one of polymer, natural rubber, and a combination thereof.
 8. A dental hygiene and gum stimulator device, comprising: a bristle platform; and a plurality of bristles attached to the bristle platform; wherein the bristle platform is a small ball of approximately 0.25-0.438 inches in diameter designed to be chewed in a user's mouth.
 9. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 8, wherein the small ball is made of extrudable material including one of polymer, natural rubber, and a combination thereof.
 10. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 9, further comprising a mechanism to prevent the small ball from being swallowed, wherein the mechanism includes a string attached to the small ball at one end and a ring at another end for pulling the small ball out of the user's mouth.
 11. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 10, further comprising a solution inside the small ball to excrete during chewing, wherein the solution includes one of mouth wash, fluoride contained aqueous solution, and flavoring solution.
 12. The dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 11, wherein the small ball has an aperture for refilling the solution.
 13. A method using a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device comprising: providing a device including a bristle platform and a plurality of bristles attached to or inserted into the bristle platform; putting the bristle platform with the bristles into a user's mouth; and chewing and biting the device to dislodge debris and stimulate gum.
 14. The method using a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 13, wherein the device further including a handle attached to a low end of the bristle platform; wherein the bristle platform has two flat sides connected to one another forming an interior angle, each flat side having an interior flat surface, and the interior surfaces facing toward one another; and wherein the bristles are attached to or inserted into the interior surfaces of the bristle platform at different angles.
 15. The method using a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 14 wherein the interior angle is approximately 90 degrees, the bristles are attached to or inserted into the interior surfaces at approximately 45 degrees and at approximately 90 degrees.
 16. The method using a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 15 further comprising holding the device at precise angle and location to brush teeth forward, backward, up and down to flush the debris dislodged from chewing and for final cleaning/polishing the surface of teeth.
 17. The method using a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 13, wherein the bristles are approximately 0.438-0.563 inches in length.
 18. The method using a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 13, wherein the bristle platform is a small ball of approximately 0.25-0.438 inches in diameter.
 19. The method using a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 18, wherein the device further comprising a mechanism to prevent the small ball from being swallowed, the mechanism including a string attached to the small ball at one end and a ring at another end for pulling the small ball out of the user's mouth.
 20. The method using a dental hygiene and gum stimulator device of claim 19, wherein the small ball has a solution therein to excrete during chewing, wherein the solution includes one of mouth wash, fluoride contained aqueous solution, and flavoring solution. 